In the glass
Aroma: mulberry, cherry, rose petal, iris, orange zest, vine smoke, black truffle
Palate: pure blue and black fruits, supple tannins, vivid acidity, profound depth, long resonant finish
Unique Pomerol with an equal Cabernet Franc-Merlot split giving a perfumed floral lift and structural precision rarely seen in the appellation. Biodynamic farming since 2014; produced from just 4.5 hectares on the Pomerol plateau.
What it pairs with
-
Roasted rack of venison with wild berry reduction
The wine's high Cabernet Franc percentage gives a tension and berry brightness that lifts the gamey meat. -
Truffle-studded roast beef fillet
Black truffle aromas and the wine's deep concentration find a natural pairing; tannin structure handles the fat. -
Aged sheep's-milk cheese (Ossau-Iraty)
Lanolin richness of aged sheep's milk harmonises with the wine's floral aromatics. -
Slow-braised short rib with root vegetables
Collagen-rich beef gains complexity from the iron-mineral core; fruit depth matches the long braise.
History
Lafleur dates to 1872 and passed through several owners before the Guinaudeau family took charge. Baptiste and Julie Guinaudeau manage the tiny 4.5-hectare estate with a precision that has earned it comparisons to Petrus. Biodynamic farming was introduced in 2014, aligning with the family's philosophy of minimal intervention. The 25% new oak regime is deliberately conservative for a wine of this quality level.
- 1872 — Estate established on the Pomerol plateau
- 1946 — Guinaudeau family first acquires an interest in the property
- 1984 — First vintage of Pensees de Lafleur sister wine produced
- 2014 — Biodynamic farming adopted across the estate
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Lafleur
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (50%), Merlot (50%)
- Classification
- Pomerol AOC
- Oak
- 15 months in 25% new French oak; 75% previously used barrels from Grand Village
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- €800-1500 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-40 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1872
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Scores
- Wine Advocate 100 (1947 vintage, reviewed 2014)
- Wine Advocate 99 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2018)
- Wine Advocate 99 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2025)